Enhancing Phalaenopsis orchid production: a comparative study of permanent and temporary immersion bioreactors.

Plant growth regulators play a crucial role in the proliferation of protocorm-like bodies through somatic embryogenesis in Phalaenopsis orchids. Additionally, media components and cultural systems can impact their proliferation and reduce costs. This research aimed to enhance proliferation rates of orchid protocorm–like bodies and decrease costs of both media providing and culture systems. To achieve this, protocorm explants were cultivated in four different systems: solid, liquid permanent immersion (Erlenmeyer flasks on a shaker), and temporary immersion (RITA® and FA-Bio bioreactor, a new laboratory mini-bioreactor). The media used included half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS), modified FAST medium (MFAST), and low-cost medium (LC). The solid medium contained thidiazuron at concentrations of 0, 1.5, or 3.0 mg L−1. Solid 1/2 MS without thidiazuron was the control. Protocorm-like bodies in solid LC and MFAST exhibited high chlorophyll and anthocyanin content. Their proliferation rates increased by 32.6% and 29.6%, respectively, while culture costs decreased by 45.2% and 43.1%, respectively, compared to solid 1/2 MS with 3.0 mg L−1 thidiazuron. The production of protocorm-like bodies and their carbohydrate content were significantly higher in MFAST and LC media, compared to 1/2 MS media across all culture systems. The RITA® bioreactor with liquid LC showed higher proliferation rates than the other treatments. Liquid LC reduced costs by 57.6% compared to solid LC, making it a cost-effective option for mass propagation. The FA-Bio bioreactor reduced costs by 70.5% compared to RITA® for laboratory research evaluations in liquid culture. MFAST media in FA-Bio bioreactors can be used commercially for cost-effective propagation of Phalaenopsis orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]